I've always thought that it's very important to keep the fridge level when operating, not only for optimum cooling but also to prevent damage to the unit. I definitely remember this from camping in a motor home with my parents back in the 70s. I also know it applies to our 2011 pop-up with it's small 3-way, non computer controlled, Dometic fridge.So, when we rented a motor home from Cruise America this summer, I was really surprised when they did not cover this at all in the instructional video or literature. Also, when I asked about it, they seemed totally unconcerned. I even remember the guy saying, "No, it's really no big deal. The worst that's going to happen is it might 'throw a code' or something like that." They also didn't provide leveling blocks. So my question is, with the modern fridges, is it really not important anymore? Do they automatically shut themselves down if it is outside of certain parameters to prevent damage? I can't imagine that Cruise America wouldn't be concerned about people possibly doing damage to their equipment. In fact, I would have expected them to have you sign something saying you are responsible for repair costs if you damage the fridge by running it un-level.

There is a thread going now, or maybe on page 2 by now.Some think its very critical. But the rental is probably counterdicting that.I myself don't find it to be very critica, and I have never had a problem in 40 yrs. As some have said, if you don't roll out of bed at nite it good enuff. But maybe don't try that at home ??

Just MHO but I don't think it is as critical with the modern units, but I try to make sure it is as level as possible to be safe. :)

I think it's a hit or miss. The longer the unit sits without bouncing down the road...the more critical it becomes.A dometic fridge uses a combination of Ammonia, Hydrogen Gas, and an anti corroision additive like zinc chromate. If the unit is not level...the zinc chromate precipitant may accumulate in a low spot in the pipe work. Eventually this will plug up the works. Bouncing down the road tends to keep things flowing. If your RV sits for extended periods...it becomes more important to level the system to keep the particles going downhill...and not accumulating in a low spot.

All three of the above answers are right, and you should listen to them.....Yes, you can pretty much keep the RV at a comfortable position, without having problems with the fridge....rolling out of bed, are watching dishes slide off the galley table might indicate that you need to try and get a bit closer to level for the unit and the fridge. I believe that Norcold suggest 2-3 degrees either way was within their guidelines.Just to be safe....yeah, try and keep things as level as possible....And the bouncing down the road comment is also spot on....though if you keep the unit very level, it should be fine for a long time.I wouldn't worry about your rental....though as mentioned, try for as level as possible, without getting crazy:B

That makes sense as far as rentals are concerned. They obviously spend most of their time driving, so there is very little opportunity for things to go bad. However, my main memory of this was with my parent's motor home. One time they accidentally left it on for just a few hours parked in our driveway which was fairly steep. After that it didn't cool at all anymore and they had to take it in for service. That was in the mid 1970's - possibly the new ones that are computer controlled have some type of feature that shuts them down before something like that can happen.

Fridge question regarding leveling | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

dougrainer
Nomad
Oct 14, 2014
Tom N wrote:
dougrainer wrote:

RV absorbsion units must be level within the criteria the OEM of the refer states, usually within 3 degrees. AND, it makes no difference on LP or 120. they must be level.

What happens when ascending or descending an 4° to 8° grade???

-Tom

Motion in transit negates the level factor! Doug
dougrainer
Nomad
Oct 14, 2014
John Wayne wrote:
I think with the rental units the problem is accumulative and they are betting the refrigerators will last till there sold. Then it becomes the buyers problem.

Possibly, BUT, lets say the renter goes home or someplace that has a good incline(driveway) and lets it sit for a few days, The CU will be history and the Rental company will be on the hook. The plain fact is, rental companies have certain employee's that either are NOT trained to deliver or they just don't care. Doug
John_Wayne
Explorer II
Oct 14, 2014
I think with the rental units the problem is accumulative and they are betting the refrigerators will last till there sold. Then it becomes the buyers problem.
RDMueller
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014
Tom N wrote:
dougrainer wrote:

RV absorbsion units must be level within the criteria the OEM of the refer states, usually within 3 degrees. AND, it makes no difference on LP or 120. they must be level.

What happens when ascending or descending an 4° to 8° grade???

-Tom

From what I understand, it is never an issue while driving because it is moving around so much.
RDMueller
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014
dougrainer wrote:
Besides, it is THEIR money that will be used to replace a defective cooling unit or refer when the customers run them off level. Doug

This is why I find it surprising that they don't discuss this with renters. It just must not be much of a problem, otherwise they WOULD make a big deal about it.
Tom_N
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
dougrainer wrote:

RV absorbsion units must be level within the criteria the OEM of the refer states, usually within 3 degrees. AND, it makes no difference on LP or 120. they must be level.

What happens when ascending or descending an 4° to 8° grade???

-Tom
Tom_N
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
If it's level enough to sleep you fridge will be fine.
chevyman2
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
Well Im not the guy that fixes refrigerators at work, I also dont know the official names of these things. However there is a tube on the back of the fridge units (part of the cooling unit). This is the tube where all the (vapor lock type situations always happened). Well anyway, that tube used to be real short. Nowadays, these tubes are long, even go over the top. They dont often "vapor lock" these days. You can be as much as a whole bubble off level with no problems today.
dougrainer
Nomad
Oct 13, 2014
tvman44 wrote:
Just MHO but I don't think it is as critical with the modern units, but I try to make sure it is as level as possible to be safe. :)

I like people that think like you. I get to make good money replacing cooling units. It makes NO DIFFERENCE if NEW or 50 years old. RV absorbsion units must be level within the criteria the OEM of the refer states, usually within 3 degrees. AND, it makes no difference on LP or 120. they must be level. Just because someone rents RV's does NOT make them an expert at how they operate. Besides, it is THEIR money that will be used to replace a defective cooling unit or refer when the customers run them off level. Doug
RDMueller
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014
That makes sense as far as rentals are concerned. They obviously spend most of their time driving, so there is very little opportunity for things to go bad. However, my main memory of this was with my parent's motor home. One time they accidentally left it on for just a few hours parked in our driveway which was fairly steep. After that it didn't cool at all anymore and they had to take it in for service. That was in the mid 1970's - possibly the new ones that are computer controlled have some type of feature that shuts them down before something like that can happen.